Google-sheets – Google Sheets: insert a non http protocol link

google sheets

I use the Chrome extension Session Buddy to store browsing sessions. In this case, I saved a few windows with tabs on a search I just did but will read later.

So, on a Sheet where I keep notes to read later I'd like to link this sheet to that saved session, to easily reload when time allows.

So, the link I want to insert is:
=hyperlink("chrome-extension://edacconmaakjimmfgnblocblbcdcpbko/main.html#VDNNy652XdoPqvxr6QKLfnZ6hyhHzM0M","My link label")

Sheets will not treat this as a valid link, it won't output a link (just text). And says Link doesn't look right. Typo? if I use the link input form. I assume only http protocol links are supported ?

Workaround?: Perhaps, although hacky, use some kind of proxy or url re-writing technique? I'm a web dev, so I could implement this sort of hack, say simply if my proxy / router sees any link such as http://my-url-change/link123 would re-write (locally, on my LAN) to any of my desired non-http links (such as file://, etc) ? Makes sense, anyone ? If so, I'll try that and share findings here.

Trials (ongoing):

  • I tried with a URL re-writing extension called requestly, which seems perfect for this kind of task. But so far no joy, it does not work. I don't understand why, perhaps a browser restart needed ? I'll update this later…

Best Answer

The local (i.e. non-http) url can be shortened via TinyURL (or some other URL shortening service; although for example bitly does not support non-standard URLs), which will provide a standard https link that can be used anywhere, and after opening is correctly redirected to the local url, which then opens the app.